RIYADH: Authorities at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has taken tougher measures on illegal pilgrims’ identification.

The steps include strong punishment to them, who will come to perform hajj without a permit.

Usually, KSA citizens and expatriates perform hajj without permit that makes pilgrims with permit to perform the hajj difficult.

Around 15,000 pilgrims were caught and barred entry into Makkah past year.

The authorities have decided to fingerprint the illegal local pilgrims and send them back to their respective cities after nabbing them during the hajj.

Later, strict punitive action will also be taken against them.
 
Makkah police chief Major General Abdulaziz Al-Asouli on Saturday said “Expats without a permit may be deported for violating the rules and Saudis will be fined,”

Besides, additional police have been deployed in Makkha so that pilgrims with permits can perform hajj undisturbed and hassle free, he added.

Al-Asouli said, security checking has been tightened surrounding Makkha.

Police are active to identify the illegal pilgrims.

Jeddah used to be on of major routes for smuggling in illegal pilgrims to Makkah during Hajj, but the scene has dramatically changed since last year, he added.

Al-Asouli said police, however, made no arrest in Hajj-related offense in Makkah yet and all roads connecting to Makkah from Madinah, Taif and Jeddah will be under close supervision.

BDST: 1230 HRS, SEP 04, 2014